"The locals now are appreciating it more and more, because we're starting to realize we have a real gem here," said Johnson.

Because the rhododendron is 115 years old, no one knows exactly where it came from. Depending who you ask, there are two conflicting stories about its history.

One popular theory is that it was shipped out from England or Scotland in 1904.

"But, the present owner, he contacted the Rhododendron Society of Canada and they suspect it might be a cutting taken off a rhododendron in Beacon Hill Park," said Johnson. "It was planted by a fellow named Fraser in 1878."

Regardless of its ancestry, Lady Cynthia is now quite the draw in the community. And the hope is it will be a boost to tourism in the area.

The Town of Ladysmith is also looking at having a heritage tree preservation bylaw introduced and, of course, Lady Cynthia would be one of the first trees protected.